#  FAS PDA - FAQs 

 



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###    1. What is the FAS PDA?  expand\_more  

The [FAS Postdoc Association](/PDA) is a community by and for the postdocs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, Cambridge campus. We work closely with the[ FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs](/) to build community among postdocs and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.

 

 



###    2. Who can get involved with the FAS PDA?  expand\_more  

Anyone can get involved! Talk to a current FAS PDA member to get started.

 

 



###    3. What is the time commitment?  expand\_more  

The time commitment can be minimal, and any help is appreciated!

 

 



###    4. What are the four committees of the FAS PDA?  expand\_more  

Advocacy, Events, Career, Communications. All committees are welcoming new people.

 

 



###    5. Are there other Postdoc Associations at Harvard?  expand\_more  

Yes, there are many postdoc associations at Harvard, each representing unique institutions and professional programs:  
[Faculty of Arts and Sciences Postdoc Association (FAS-PDA)](/PDA)  
[Harvard School of Public Health Postdoctoral Association (HSPH PDA)](https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/pda/)  
[Harvard Medical Postdoc Association (HMPA)](https://hmpa.hms.harvard.edu/)  
[Massachusetts General Postdoc Association (MGPA)](https://mgpa.mgh.harvard.edu/)  
[Boston Children's Hospital Post-Doctoral Association (BCH PDA)](https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/research-administration/post-doctoral-association)  
[Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center PDA (BIDMC PDA)](https://www.bidmc.org/medical-education/academic-careers-and-faculty-development/postdoc-resources/pda)   
[Brigham and Women's Hospital PostDoctoral Association (BWH PDA)](https://pda.bwh.harvard.edu/)  
[Dana-Farber (graduate students and postdocs) Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Association (Dana-Farber PGA)](https://www.dana-farber.org/research/our-researchers/for-postdocs/postdoctoral-and-graduate-student-association/)   
[Joslin Diabetes Center Fellows Council](https://www.joslin.org/research/fellowships/fellows-council)   
[Broad Institute NextGen Association for Postdocs and Graduate Students (NGA)](https://nextgenassociation.org/)   
[Harvard Medical School Black Postdoctoral Association (HBPA)](https://www.hbpa.hms.harvard.edu/)

 

 



###    6. How many postdocs are at Harvard FAS?  expand\_more  

There are around 1,300 postdocs.

 

 



###    7. What is the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)?  expand\_more  

The FAS is the largest division at Harvard and includes Harvard College, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). FAS includes departments in Arts and Humanities, Science, Social Science, and SEAS on the Cambridge Campus.

 

 



###    8. What is the difference between the PDA and the PDO?  expand\_more  

The PDA (Postdoc Association) is a group run entirely by postdocs. The PDO (Office of Postdoctoral Affairs) is an office for postdocs run by Harvard with salaried employees. The PDO can help postdocs with questions about salary, career, misconduct, and other situations.

 

 



###    9. Who is Stephen Kargere?  expand\_more  

Stephen Kargere runs the PDO and can help any postdoc with career guidance and HR issues. He is a fantastic resource and can be reached via email at <a>kargere@fas.harvard.edu</a>.

 

 



###    10. What is the Boston Postdoc Association?  expand\_more  

The Boston Postdoc Association is a group for postdocs across all Boston Universities. They run some social and career events. Visit their webpage and social media accounts for more information.

 

 



###    11. What Events are there for Postdocs?  expand\_more  

The FAS PDA runs events most weeks throughout the year. These include breakfasts, ice cream socials, career panels, ice skating trips, and more. Be sure you are subscribed to the mailing list to receive notifications.

 

 



###    12. Does Harvard offer housing to Postdocs?  expand\_more  

Most Postdocs find housing on the open market. However, Harvard offers some rental properties to the harvard community. The units are assigned based on a lottery system with applications due may 1st every year. More information can be found on their webpage: <https://www.huhousing.harvard.edu>

 

 



###    13. Does Harvard offer childcare to Postdocs?  expand\_more  

The HARVie website on childcare has information and links to find childcare providers, both through Harvard and elsewhere. For more information please visit the [FAS PDA Guide on Childcare](/navigating-childcare-work-life-balance-and-connecting-postdoc-parent-community).

 

 



###    14. Who can help with questions about visas?  expand\_more  

The [Harvard International Office](https://www.hio.harvard.edu/) has information about visas on their webpage. The best place to get help with issues that arise is through your department or sponsoring PI. For more information on international scholar support please refer to the [FAQ for New International Scholars at Harvard](/harvard-international-office-faqs).

 

 



###    15. Does Harvard offer help with taxes?  expand\_more  

No, you are on your own. Paying for a tax professional can be helpful for those not familiar with the process, and is generally not all that expensive (e.g., ~$300 for one year’s filings).

 

 



###    16. Can I negotiate my salary?  expand\_more  

If your salary is below the [Harvard minimum scale](https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends), you have a right to increase your salary to that minimum level. The FAS PDA recommends that all postdocs be paid at the HMS salary scale and encourages postdocs to try to negotiate for higher pay if they feel comfortable (see [Salary and Benefits](/approaching-pis-pay-raise-and-other-self-advocating-tips?admin_panel=1) section).

 

 



###    17. Is there a transportation benefit?  expand\_more  

For benefits-eligible postdocs (see [Salary and Benefits](/approaching-pis-pay-raise-and-other-self-advocating-tips?admin_panel=1) section), Harvard offers discounted MBTA passes. In addition, Harvard offers a commuter benefit for reimbursements on the [Bluebikes Share Program](https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/commuterchoice/bike/bluebikes-bike-share-program) and [personal bicycle purchases and maintenance](https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/bikebenefit). Please refer to [Harvard CommuterChoice Program](https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/commuterchoice) for more information.

 

 



###    18. What other benefits are available to postdocs?  expand\_more  

Your Harvard ID will grant you free or discounted access to museums at Harvard and in Boston (ex. Museum of Fine Arts), discounted Harvard gym access, and cultural/ artistic/ sporting event deals through the [Outings and Innings Program](https://outingsandinnings.harvard.edu/Online/default.asp?). Benefits-eligible postdocs may also take advantage of [Employee Perks and Discounts](https://hr.harvard.edu/employee-discounts).

 

 



###    19. How does my healthcare work?  expand\_more  

**For benefits eligible postdocs** (see [Salary and Benefits](/approaching-pis-pay-raise-and-other-self-advocating-tips?admin_panel=1) section), Harvard offers subsidized medical coverage plans through the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA). Harvard also offers additional opt-in insurance plans for dental, vision, disability and life insurance coverage. Spouse and family coverage options are also available in addition to individual plans. You must and can only update your benefits elections annually during the [Benefits Open Enrollment Period](https://hr.harvard.edu/open-enrollment-2023) (typically October through November), otherwise you may lose coverage! Please refer to [HARVie Health &amp; Welfare Benefits](https://hr.harvard.edu/health-welfare-benefits) for more information.  
**For non-benefits eligible postdocs,** you must seek your own healthcare following the guidance of your funding institution or on the open market (e.g., [Massachusetts Health Connector](https://www.mahix.org/individual/) or [HealthCare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/)).

 

 



###    20. Am I considered staff?  expand\_more  

No. Postdocs are not technically considered faculty, staff, nor students. Postdocs are officially considered “researchers'' in university policy documents, and despite being employees, are by virtue of this arbitrary title not eligible for certain employee benefits (like retirement contributions from Harvard). That being said, if you’re reading university policy that applies to “faculty, staff, and students” and are wondering if it applies to you, it is worth asking for clarification because Harvard often just forgets to include postdocs in their wording.